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Sarah Bates

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Apr, 2025

Stories (5)

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5 Stories

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My Fate

Sarah Bates

Submitted to Contest #305

It took a few seconds to realize I was utterly and completely lost. My mind was racing every which way. I couldn’t focus at all. The words on the paper seemed foreign enough to be hieroglyphic from a lost ancient civilization. The fluorescent lights flickered above me. I looked around the room at the other participants taking the exam. None of them seemed confused by their papers. It’s just me. Why is it so hot in here? Sweat trickled down my forehead. I could feel the blood rushing to my face. I could feel my heartbeat in my toes; okay, may...

7 likes

The Worst Call

Sarah Bates

**Trigger Warning: Suicide, Physical/Domestic Violence, Mental Health*** “That must be so interesting,” the woman said. Her eyes were bright with interest, but the echoes I’ve heard over the years played inside my mind. I pushed them away. I knew what would come next. “What was your worst call?” She leaned in, clearly intrigued. I remained smiling, thinking to myself, she doesn't understand. I knew how I’d answer. I did it many times whenever I told a stranger what I did for a living. I took a deep breath. “It does keep me on my toes. I’ve h...

0 likes

Crossroads

Sarah Bates

The parking lot is full of empty cars. Everyone from my shift has left, except for those who chose to stay and work overtime. But I can't make myself leave. I sit behind the wheel, staring at the dull tan building that has been my second home, my prison, and my pride for the last thirteen years.All of the emotions flood through me: Lifelong friends made and lost. An entire life built within these walls. But today, for the first time, I feel the weight of the door more than the pull. I came here once full of excitement, buzzing nerves, and a ...

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Eighteen Years

Sarah Bates

Submitted to Contest #298

Her hands shook as she reread the letter. The first time didn’t seem real. The second time, she confirmed she read it correctly the first time. The third time, she looked for clues and details she had maybe missed. But now, she accepted its contents. Her mother wished to see her. After 18 years of silence, she wanted to see her again. The memory of their last encounter played over in her mind. The yelling echoed in her ears. The tears began to form again as they did many times when she remembered that day. It felt so long ago, yet it also fe...

5 likes

The Weeping

Sarah Bates

Submitted to Contest #298

The storm clouds gathered overhead, spilling heavy rain onto the world below like sorrow from the sky.The woman in black didn’t seem to notice. She stood still, her eyes fixed on the fresh pile of dirt, now smothered in wilted flowers and stems. There was no headstone yet. Only those who had watched the casket lowered into the earth knew who rested beneath.But she knew. She would never forget, no matter how hard she might try. She resisted the urge to lie down, to dig a hole and crawl in beside her. Only six feet of dirt separated her from t...

4 likes